Frequently Asked Questions

What is couples therapy?

Couples therapy is a structured space where partners work on communication, emotional connection, conflict repair and relational patterns. It focuses on understanding attachment dynamics, nervous system responses and unmet needs that sit underneath recurring tension. I support couples to build clearer agreements, strengthen emotional safety and develop communication skills that create long term stability.

Do you work with ethical non monogamy and polyamory?

Yes. I specialise in supporting ethical non monogamy, open relationships and polyamorous partnerships. This includes navigating jealousy, new relationship energy, time capacity, agreement making, rupture and repair, and building secure attachment within non monogamous structures. My work is inclusive of monogamous, non monogamous and relationship diverse clients.

What is Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and how do you use it?

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, often called EFT or EFCT, is an attachment based model of couples therapy developed to help partners create secure emotional bonds. EFCT focuses on identifying negative interaction cycles, understanding attachment needs, and creating new experiences of safety and responsiveness between partners. I integrate EFCT principles to help couples move from blame and defensiveness into vulnerability, clarity and emotional connection.

What is Gestalt therapy and how does it support relationships?

Gestalt therapy is a present centred, experiential approach that focuses on awareness, responsibility and embodied experience. In couples therapy, Gestalt work helps partners notice what is happening in real time. How their body responds, how they interrupt themselves, where they withdraw or push. It brings attention to patterns as they unfold in the room, creating deeper self awareness and more authentic contact. This supports emotional honesty, clear boundaries and conscious relating.

Is open relationship therapy different from monogamous couples therapy?

The relationship structure may differ, but the relational skills are the same. Both require emotional regulation, clear communication, capacity awareness and explicit agreements. Open relating often magnifies attachment wounds and insecurity, which makes clarity essential. Monogamous couples benefit just as deeply from developing these same skills.

Can couples therapy help if we are considering opening our relationship?

Yes. Therapy is a valuable space to explore motivations, fears, expectations and emotional capacity before making changes. Expanding a relationship tends to magnify what already exists, so strengthening your attachment foundation first is important.

Do you help with jealousy and attachment insecurity?

Yes. Jealousy is a common emotional experience in both monogamous and non monogamous relationships. In therapy we explore what jealousy is protecting, which attachment fears are being activated, and how to regulate your nervous system rather than react from fear. Through attachment informed therapy and experiential work, jealousy can become something understood and worked with rather than avoided or shamed.

Do you offer online couples therapy?

Yes. I offer online couples therapy across Australia, as well as in person sessions in Byron Bay, Lismore and Sydney. Online therapy can be just as effective as in person sessions when structured with intention and clarity.

Do you work with monogamous and open couples?

Yes. I work with monogamous couples, ethically non monogamous couples, polyamorous partnerships and those exploring relationship transitions.

My focus is not on prescribing one relationship structure over another. My focus is on relational health.

Whether you are in a monogamous relationship wanting to strengthen emotional intimacy and communication, or in an open relationship navigating jealousy, agreements and attachment security, the core work is similar. We build clarity. We strengthen emotional regulation. We make implicit expectations explicit. We develop the skills needed to create stability and trust.

I support couples who are:

Deepening commitment in monogamy

Repairing trust after rupture or betrayal

Exploring ethical non monogamy

Navigating polyamory or multiple partner dynamics

Renegotiating agreements as their relationship evolves

Wanting stronger communication and emotional connection

Open relating often magnifies attachment wounds and insecurity.

Monogamy can sometimes conceal them. In both cases, couples therapy creates space to slow down, understand the underlying patterns and consciously rebuild connection.

Is your work inclusive of LGBTQIA+ and relationship diverse clients?

Yes. My work is inclusive of LGBTQIA+ individuals, gender diverse clients, polycules and non traditional relationship structures. Therapy is shaped around your relational vision rather than imposed cultural norms.